Claire, Darling
Ratings2
Average rating4
Compelling Psychological Thriller, Almost Perfect
Lately, I’ve been so busy that I forgot how enjoyable getting lost in a good book can be. This one reminded me. With my background in psychology, it felt like diving into a fictional case study that kept me hooked.
Claire’s life takes a devastating turn when she discovers that her fiancé, Noah, has been living a double life with another woman. This revelation sends her spiraling into a search for answers, forcing her to confront a traumatic past shaped by her manipulative mother. As Claire’s obsession grows, she becomes tangled in a dangerous web of deceit, where the lines between reality and delusion blur. Kazumi expertly weaves themes of love, betrayal, and unresolved trauma into a gripping narrative that keeps readers on edge until the final page.
I devoured this book in a single day—I just couldn’t put it down!
The mystery kept me guessing, and the twists had me second-guessing every theory I came up with. The characters were well-developed, and the pacing was fast, making it an engaging read. However, I gave it 3 stars because the “unreliable narrator” trope, which is central to the plot, felt underwhelming. It’s a device that’s been overused in recent thrillers, and this version didn’t bring much new to the table. That said, the mini-twists at the end helped redeem it, adding extra layers of surprise.
One thing that stood out was how well Kazumi handled the flashback scenes. Claire’s relationship with her mother was given a strong foundation, showing a realistic portrayal of how childhood trauma can impact mental and emotional well-being in adulthood. It was done with sensitivity and depth.
Despite its flaws, this book was a wild ride, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching everything unfold. For those who have experienced trauma, though, a trigger warning might be appreciated.
Compelling Psychological Thriller, Almost Perfect
Lately, I’ve been so busy that I forgot how enjoyable getting lost in a good book can be. This one reminded me. With my background in psychology, it felt like diving into a fictional case study that kept me hooked.
Claire’s life takes a devastating turn when she discovers that her fiancé, Noah, has been living a double life with another woman. This revelation sends her spiraling into a search for answers, forcing her to confront a traumatic past shaped by her manipulative mother. As Claire’s obsession grows, she becomes tangled in a dangerous web of deceit, where the lines between reality and delusion blur. Kazumi expertly weaves themes of love, betrayal, and unresolved trauma into a gripping narrative that keeps readers on edge until the final page.
I devoured this book in a single day—I just couldn’t put it down!
The mystery kept me guessing, and the twists had me second-guessing every theory I came up with. The characters were well-developed, and the pacing was fast, making it an engaging read. However, I gave it 3 stars because the “unreliable narrator” trope, which is central to the plot, felt underwhelming. It’s a device that’s been overused in recent thrillers, and this version didn’t bring much new to the table. That said, the mini-twists at the end helped redeem it, adding extra layers of surprise.
One thing that stood out was how well Kazumi handled the flashback scenes. Claire’s relationship with her mother was given a strong foundation, showing a realistic portrayal of how childhood trauma can impact mental and emotional well-being in adulthood. It was done with sensitivity and depth.
Despite its flaws, this book was a wild ride, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching everything unfold. For those who have experienced trauma, though, a trigger warning might be appreciated.